Does optimism make you healthy, or does being healthy make you optimistic? We would say both! The way that optimism can promote good health, and how that good health translates back into an optimistic mindset can be very powerful when we learn how to utilise it to our advantage. When done correctly, we can even use the momentum of an optimistic mindset to improve our lifestyle and longevity.
What is optimism?
If we are going to use optimism to our advantage, we first need to understand what it is. As mentioned above, optimism primarily refers to a mindset that is positive in nature. An optimistic mindset has everything to do with the way we perceive things and events around us in the present and future. Some might assume optimism is a fixed personality trait, however optimism is actually a mindset that you can choose to opt into even in negative situations.
As a lens for perception, optimism influences your adaptive behaviour and cognitive responses. An optimist is less likely to see a problem purely as a result of their own failings and instead see the impact of external factors. They are also more likely to see problems as a temporary state which can be changed; something that is limited to a specific event or entity, rather than every aspect of their lives.
A temporary health complication, for example, might stop you from practicing your favourite team sport. In this situation, an optimistic mindset can highlight actions that you could take to recover and get back into the sport earlier. It could also motivate you to continue to support and engage with your team while you recover.
Optimism and its influence on your health and wellbeing
It can be easiest to see the linkage between an optimism and your mental wellbeing as opposed to physical health. Since optimism is a mindset and way of thinking, it can have a strong influence on your mood, relationship satisfaction, and the way you react to situations. Optimism can promote adaptive behaviours and cognitive responses associated with greater flexibility, problem-solving capacity, and more positive cognition of negative events. In the long term, an optimistic mindset can reduce your vulnerability to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Optimism also has a strong influence over your physical health, although the link might not be immediately obvious. Its influence over your physical health primarily happens through the promotion of healthy habits, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies. When we are in a better frame of mind, we are more adaptive and make better, healthier choices more frequently. Optimists are more likely to eat healthier, exercise more, and smoke less. Because of this, the link between optimism and physical health is more evident in chronic conditions. A review of 15 studies involving over 200,000 participants found that optimists have a 35% lower risk of heart disease (which can have flow-on effects to blood sugar levels, metabolism and memory formulation), and a 14% less chance of an early death. Additionally, an optimistic mindset has been found to reduce chances of infection and cancer, as well as improve post-operative recovery.
In essence, an individual with an optimistic outlook does not take a fatalistic approach to their health. They believe that most problems have a solution and they are prepared to find a way under, over, around, or through the issue to reach a positive outcome on the other side. This means they actively approach issues like weight gain, elevated cholesterol or injury with a ‘can do’ problem solving attitude to achieve improved outcomes on these parameters.
What can I do to build my optimism?
It’s all well and good to say that optimism promotes resilience and longevity, but how can we utilise this to our advantage? Lucky, optimism can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. Below are five ways that you can improve and bolster an optimistic mindset for healthier decision-making and stronger resilience.
1. The “Best Possible Self” exercise.
UC Berkley has a great guide for this exercise. The Best Possible Self (BPS) method is what’s known as a positive psychology intervention. It involves taking time to imagine the best-case-scenario for various aspects in your life such as your career, relationships, hobbies, and health. Studies have shown that the BPS method can increase optimism after just one session.
2. Practice Gratitude
What we focus on is what we see in our day to day lives. So, shifting your focus to what you are thankful for is a great way to emphasise the positives in your life and build the foundation for an optimistic mindset. This HBR article provides a step-by-step guide on practicing gratitude.
3. Reflect on your Track Record
Look back over your track record of accomplishments, performance and times when you have overcome challenges. This builds a sense of reality-based confidence in your ability to deal with new challenges.
4. Use the F.A.C.E.D. method to deal with stress and negative emotions.
We have previously talked about the F.A.C.E.D. method when dealing with stress. This method can be particularly good at shifting our mindset towards stressful and negative situations. The “acceptance”, “control” and “enjoy” steps in particular are focused on shifting to a positive, optimistic mindset.
5. Surround yourself with optimistic people
Optimism is contagious. Surrounding yourself with people who focus on benefits and have a positive outlook on the future can influence your outlook and optimism too!
If you think you or your business could benefit from taking a healthy approach to optimism and mindset, get in contact with us today!
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